Olympia South Elementary School, Gymnasium and Flexible Learning Center

Atlanta, Illinois

Firm

Dewberry Architects Inc.

Client

Olympia School District CUSD #16

Area

19,872 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$5,593,000

Completion Date

01/2023

Chris McGuire Photography

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An existing 1936 lamella framed gymnasium had multiple internal levels with a stage and permanent concrete bleachers at opposing sides. A new gymnasium permitted adaptive reuse of the former gym into a technology-rich learning center, dual-use musical arts performance space, and integrated classrooms with LED lighting, solar tubes in the lamella voids, super-graphics, neutral grays and wood tones.

The design embraces the school’s preference for a blended pedagogy that combines teacher-led instruction with student-directed opportunities categorized across fixed learning, semi-open learning, and open learning. The resource and classroom pods were created in striking blue school colors to form a mini-Main Street of learning fronts while visibility through and across spaces assists staff in supervising a safe environment.

Court floors were kept with markings to retain a connection to history and sustainability. Minimally removed gym flooring was reused in the lobby link on the bench/soffit.

Light-filled space built upon themes of biophilic design supports health and well-being. A 350-spectator competitive basketball and volleyball gymnasium with associated locker room spaces and a two-sided lobby link the major spaces.